The FC Barcelona, unlike what was expected before the start of the 2024/25 summer transfer market, has made a significant change in its sports planning by relegating the signing of a midfielder, which previously seemed to be a non-negotiable priority, to the background. This shift is explained solely by Hansi Flick's confidence in strengthening the midfield with players already at the club.
This decision has led to several names that were linked to the Blaugrana team to strengthen the holding position being practically forgotten. One of these names is Mikel Merino, midfielder from Real Sociedad. Given his contractual situation with the 'Txuri-Urdin' squad, where he is expected not to renew his contract expiring in 2025, he could be available at an affordable price this summer. Furthermore, with his intriguing 'box to box' playing style, he has become an attractive asset to launch an offensive for.
At this point, not only has Barça shown interest in acquiring the services of the talented player from CA Osasuna's youth academy, but other teams like Atlético Madrid and Arsenal have expressed their desires to have him in their sporting project. The 'colchoneros' at one point expressed their desire to include Merino in the negotiation for defender Robin Le Normand, although this did not progress and it seems that Atlético is out of the equation.
Mikel Merino is very close to becoming a new Arsenal player
On the other hand, it seems that the 'Gunners' are still in the running and are close to securing the services of Mikel Merino. It was mentioned that once the Londoners finalized the signing of defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, they would make a serious push for the midfielder.
Now, they seem to be keeping their word. According to the renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and the player seem to have reached an agreement on personal terms contractually. Now, it only remains to formalize the agreement between the two clubs, which according to 'Relevo,' could materialize in a figure around €30 million plus variables.
With this operation, Merino would head towards a league he already knows, the Premier League, as he had an experience at Newcastle during the 2017/18 season. Additionally, he would join a team where he would share the central area with an old acquaintance from Real Sociedad, Martin Odegaard, and be led by a coach who shares a deep understanding of the 'Txuri-Urdin' sentiment, as in the case of Mikel Arteta. Both for his playing style and technical knowledge, it is expected that Arteta can further enhance this outstanding midfielder from Pamplona.